Yes, I know these pictures are awful. I will take new ones as soon as I can, I'm just curious if you people see what I see. He is my new baby, a just turned 4 ottb who I am planning on doing dressage and eventing with. Initial thoughts?

In this photo he appears to be a bit camped under or sickle hocked. His croup appears steep and his back appears over long while he appears to lack bone. His neck and shoulder are OK but his head is over large.

All that being said, a proper photo might take most of the above comments and change them to a more positive critique. This is why proper photos are so important.

sarahver

04-27-2012 09:46 AM

Agreed with Elana, in addition, his stance looks very tight to me. Not sure if he was about to re-shift his weight or if he is sore somewhere. I wonder if there is some stiffness in his coupling region.

Lovely neck and shoulder, he's a well built fellow. Cute pic of him running.

Elana

04-27-2012 09:54 AM

He looks like he is trying to take the weight off his front end.. a bit.. the way he is standing. OTOH he may have been ready to move and got an image taken at the wrong moment in time.

Chopsticks

04-28-2012 12:42 PM

obviously not square so anything about his hind end is based on his stance which isn't going to be accurate. i like him, good strong body, nice deep hip. his neck APPEARS to tie in a little low and his throatlatch is a bit thick, both which will hinder him in higher levels of dressage, but the movement photo shows a different story. i think vids with square photos will really help determine actual potential. he's gorgeous though!

Allison Finch

04-28-2012 01:02 PM

Over all, not bad. He is light boned in the legs (typical TB). Just take him slowly and build the leg strength over time. Too much too soon can have long term repercussions.

I think he is a definite event prospect. I'm looking forward to seeing you two progress. Keep us in the loop!

Ray MacDonald

04-28-2012 02:13 PM

Over all, looks nice. But I agree - back legs camped in, thick throatlatch, kind of an upright shoulder. I don't think he has a long back or a big head though. I think he will be a great eventer!